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In the News

The College of Community and Public Affairs prepares undergraduate and graduate students to work with individuals, groups, families, communities and organizations for the public good, focusing specifically on social services, local government, non-profit organizations and higher education.

Within the College

The Office of Career and International Programs offers focused career advice beginning freshman year including internship preparation, networking, resume and cover letter building, guest speakers and panel discussions with alumni and industry professionals.

Admission deadlines

April 15

November 15

Apply

Admission information for prospective students

Admission requirements

Consideration for admission into the Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration
will be selective and applicants will be expected to have an academic record and informed
interest in pursuing the program consistent with Binghamton University's norms for
graduate study. For regular admission, a student must have:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)

Admitted students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average the first semester
of enrollment and each semester thereafter to continue in the program.

Application materials required by the Graduate School include:

The Graduate School application

The application payment form with appropriate payment

A personal statement as part of the Graduate School application that addresses the
applicant's interest in the program, career goals, and current skills and experiences
relative to their current or intended career in student affairs

Official academic transcripts of all prior college and university study

Two letters of recommendation from instructors or professors who can attest to the
applicant's academic ability for graduate study. Applicants who have been out of college
for at least three years may submit current letters of reference from employment supervisors
or others affiliated with their employment who can attest to their ability to perform
successfully and professionally and to the likelihood of success in a graduate program

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and must be sent directly from
the testing agency to the Graduate School. Our code is 2535.

By signing this document, you agree, if admitted to the program, to abide by the professional
standards of student affairs administration as set forth by the American College Personnel
Association (ACPA) Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards that govern our profession.

GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

Binghamton University uses stanardized test scores as an aid in evaluation of credentials
because grade caculations and grading systems vary so much from one institution to
another. Your grade point average (GPA) might be lower than that of someone from another
institution, yet your GRE scores might indicate that you have as good preparation
or even better than someone else. The SAA program does not have requirement minimums.
The SAA will accept GMAT scores in lieu of GREs.

GRE (or GMAT) score reports must be sent directly from the testing agency to the Graduate
School. Test scores must have been within the last 5 years. The GRE/GMAT school code
for Binghamton is: R2535.

If you obtained your bachelor's degree two or more years ago and have been working
full-time for two or more years in the student affairs administration sector in the
US:

and you have already taken the GRE/GMAT test, then submit those scores.

or you have never taken the GRE/GMAT test, then contact the Chair or Graduate Director
in the Department of Student Affairs Administration.

International applicants

Applicants for whom English is a second language should also submit Test of English
as a Foreign Language (TOEFEL) scores as part of their admissions application. The
use of English, both in terms of understanding spoken and written language in terms
of communicating that understanding is a necessary prerequisite for graduate work
in the Department of Student Affairs Administration because communication is integral
to the profession.

Records of international applicants require special evaluation and, therefore, should
be submitted as early as possible. See the Graduate School Application for International
Students. International students must also follow all of the above requirements.

Following the submission of admission applications, three SAA faculty members will
begin reviewing application materials to determine the applicant's potential for academic
success. After reviewing application materials, faculty recommendations are then made
and sent to the Graduate School. The ultimate decision to offer admission into the
SAA program rests with the Graduate School at Binghamton University.

Note regarding employment

Applicants should be aware that some states and institutions require background checks
before employment. For positions that require professional licensure, states may restrict
or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions,
or actions taken against them by a professional organization. In addition, students
admitted to the program are required to satisfactorily complete an internship. For
placement into an internship, offices and agencies may require personal information
and conduct background checks. Offices and agencies have the right to refuse placements.
Students may be required to and so then must obtain malpractice insurance before they
are placed in internships with these requirements. The insurance agency requires disclosure
of personal information including convictions and may or may not issue insurance coverage.
Therefore, while the Department of Student Affairs Administration will work diligently
to place students in internships, students admitted into the program are not guaranteed
internship placement in an office or agency which is a requirement for graduation.

Transfer credits

Students may be permitted to transfer up to six credit hours of prior graduate-level
student affairs-related coursework into the proposed program, but only at the discretion
of and with approval by the chair of the program. Consideration will be given for
courses taken within the last five years in which a B or higher was earned. Academic
credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.

Find what you’re looking for

In the News

The College of Community and Public Affairs prepares undergraduate and graduate students to work with individuals, groups, families, communities and organizations for the public good, focusing specifically on social services, local government, non-profit organizations and higher education.

Within the College

The Office of Career and International Programs offers focused career advice beginning freshman year including internship preparation, networking, resume and cover letter building, guest speakers and panel discussions with alumni and industry professionals.